“ALL SHOULD BENEFIT”

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 8

“ALL SHOULD BENEFIT”

DENTAL TREATMENT OF CHILDREN

Extension of the benefits of State dental treatment to all children, irrespective of tlie schools they attend, was urged on tlie Government by speakers in tlie debate on the annual report of (ho lleaith Department in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. E. I’. Lee (Oamnru) advocated a national policy in regard to dental clinics. Only children in standards 1 and 2 were now being treated, but those in higher standards should also be treated. He further advocated an extension of’ the system to private schools, the children in which should have as much right to treatment as those in the public schools. “Aftc. all,” said Sir George Hunter (Wnipawa), “the health of the children in the private schools is just as important as that of the children attending public schools. I hope in the near future it will be possible for the Minister to place all 'the children on the same footing, irrespective of (he schools they arc attending.” , The Lender ol the Opposition (Mr. 11. E. Holland) urged that dental examination should be given to the children attending nil the schools of the Dominion. The reply in the past had been that Hie additional assistance was not available, but (he Minister would be faced with having to find it if all the children nt other schools suddenly attended the public schools. The health of the children was of supreme importance, irrespective of what school they attended. ________